North Augusta Forward is continuing its mission to partner with the community to make North Augusta a better place to live, work and play by finalizing the sale of the historic building that was the original Skating Rink for North Augusta. The property is adjacent to the Municipal Building and serves as the Gateway Portal to Downtown — the entrance to North Augusta from the 13th Street Bridge. NA Forward Executive Director, Ms. Avery Spears-Mahoney said, "The property has been owned by the foundation for
several years, as we have worked to attract a developer that appreciated the Main Street vision for the project. We are thankful to be working with a local developer that has played a role in several other successful projects in downtown. This mixed-use development, coupled with NA Forward's vision
to bring the Greeneway into downtown, via the Downtown Greeneway Connector, will play an integral part of the overall plan for downtown revitalization. This historic property is located immediately adjacent to another parcel that was owned by NA Forward and was also purchased by the developer. That was part of the original vision to develop the two parcels in a strategically coordinated manner."

The President of Palmetto Peach Development Company, Mr. Brett Brannon said, "This is an exciting time for us as we take the next significant step in Downtown revitalization. It is rewarding to be a part of saving this historic building and complementing it with thoughtful new development designed to reflect both our past and our future. We are very committed to the Main Street vision of mixed-use development to bring Retail, Restaurants and Professional Office space to our Downtown. We can't wait to get started."

North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams said, "The vision of the Carpet Shop for a long time has been to be the linchpin for our Gateway connection between River Side Village and the downtown. The city is appreciative of North Augusta Forward purchasing the historic property several years ago in order to preserve it and use it as key part of revitalization of downtown."

Main Street SC Director, Ms. Jenny Boulware said, "The Carpet Shop's two story, 6,000 square foot footprint has always been recognized as an important gateway site with tremendous opportunity for impact, connecting North Augusta's varied assets — the Greeneway, Riverside Village and downtown. Its recent purchase is opening up entirely new ventures for North Augusta Forward, the City and downtown including the highest and best use of a vacant building. This is downtown economic development at its finest. The vision for the space is being realized as outlined in the 2019 Downtown Roadmap. North Augusta is already a great place to live, work and explore.

The Carpet Shop's transformation will reinforce North Augusta Forward's intentional and thoughtful downtown revitalization initiatives."

For many years the building was home to The Carpet Shop, but the historic building was originally the North Augusta Skating Rink and created many fond memories for some of our citizens.

From our founding in 1999 as North Augusta 2000, the goal has always been to partner with residents, businesses, governments and community organizations to identify, develop and implement visionary initiatives as a catalyst for the continued transformation of North Augusta into an inviting and vibrant community that residents want to call home. This acquisition is another step forward in accomplishing that goal.

For more information please visit https://northaugustaforward.org/ Or https://northaug -ustaforward.org/downtown-revitalization/